ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the federal government attaches high priority to the socio-economic development of Balochistan and would utilize all possible resources for the uplift of the province.Talking to a delegation of Balochistan cabinet led by Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raeesani at the PM House, the Prime Minister said the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package would go a long way in addressing the long-standing grievances of the people of Balochistan.

The Prime Minister said the feeling of brotherhood created among the people of four provinces during his meetings in Gwadar would positively impact towards national cohesion and help resolve issues of national importance.

He directed for immediate convening of a special meeting of CDWP on Balochistan to finalize the development projects in the light of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan.

He said he would personally chair and monitor the follow up meetings with regards to the implementation of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan. The priority area before the government is to fast track the provision of electricity, water and gas to various parts of Balochistan.

He said his government had fulfilled the promise made to the people of Balochistan to give them their due rights.

The Prime Minister said the federal government would ensure provision of committed funds to expand and develop the strategically located deep sea port of Gwadar which has enormous trade potential.

He said this would not only help in alleviating poverty and boost the socio-economic uplift of Balochistan but also contribute to the national economy through transit trade.

To improve Gwadar’s connectivity with other parts of the country, the Prime Minister directed the National Highway Authority to complete the Gwadar-Rato Dero Road at the earliest.

He said completion of the remaining 40 per cent of road and rail linkages with the rest of the country would generate economic activity, create employment and bring about a positive change in the lives of the locals.

The Gwadar Port, he said, will serve as a trade gateway not only for the up-country but also for the regional countries including Central Asian States and China.

The Prime Minister approved for the construction of three degree colleges with hostel facilities at Sibbi, Nasirabad and Quetta. Education, he remarked, would help in the uplift of the province and the federal government attaches top priority to this sector.

He said the graduates of Balochistan would be provided jobs and technical training would be given to the matriculate students.

Regarding exploration and extraction of minerals, it was agreed that preference be accorded to indigenous expertise so that people of Balochistan derive maximum benefit from its natural resources.
Renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand, in his briefing, said Pakistani scientists and geologists are fully capable of exploiting and developing the mineral resources of the country.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the recently signed National Finance Commission award at Gwadar will provide more resources to the underdeveloped province and bring better health, education and infrastructure facilities to their area.

He termed the consensus award as a dividend of democracy and a reflection of the government’s commitment to the nation for strengthening the federation.

He said that commemorative stamp on NFC reflects the unity and solidarity of the federation.
Raeesani informed the Prime Minister that the people of Balochistan are appreciative of the Prime Minister’s announcement of Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan as well as provision of jobs to the graduates of Balochistan.

Other members of the delegation included Balochistan’s ministers Sardar Aslam Bizenjo, Minister for Irrigation and Power, Mir Asim Kurd, Minister for Finance, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Minister for C&W and Mir Abdur Rahman Mengal, Minister for Mines and Minerals.